Actually, SP3 RC 1 has already been released. I have it installed on my 2 XP 32 bit installs. However, I use an XP Pro x64 partition for IL2, so I can't really say if if gives a boost in IL2. As I understand it tho, SP3 is mostly just a 'roll up' of all the securety and other patches since SP2.
I guess I could install IL2 on a 32 bit system, and see what it does.
Just so you understand, I use HyperOS which allows me to have multiple Operating systems
http://www.hyperossystems.co.uk/ Right now I have 2 XP Pro and 4 XP Pro x64 partitions, altho my version of HOS will allow up to 22 versions of 2000, XP, and Vista in all 'flavors'.